One day the sun admitted
I am just a shadow.
I wish I could show you
The infinite incandescence
That has cast my brilliant image!
I wish I could show you,
When you are lonely or in darkness,
The Astonishing Light
Of your own Being!

Struggling with depression all my life, I’ve come to learn some things in my “old age!” The deepest healing happens through theology and identity. Theology – remembering who God is – the one and only true God. This God is only love. And deep healing comes in remembering our true identity – understanding who we really are. That we are created in the image of God and we remain as God created us. We are not sinful, broken, and dirty rotten sinners who deserve God’s wrath. We are children of God – children of light and love who are loved with a love that “surpasses knowledge” (Eph. 3:19). How could it be that we forget this love and that we fail to remember? Maybe because it seems to be so beyond our minds and understanding. The darkness comes when I forget who God is and who I am. The loneliness comes when I feel that I’m separated from the presence and love of God. These are just subtle and not so subtle tricks of my ego – the false self that wants me to live in misery. So any misery, depression, despair, loneliness, self hate is just a signal to take a breath, remember the truth and soak for a moment in the infinite incandescence of God’s brilliant image and my own identity within it. Don’t just take my word for it – for the one we love says: “I am the light of the world,” and so are you! (John 8:12 & Matthew 5:14)

Bill Johnson

A pastor, counselor and spiritual reminderer who loves to be "touched" by God in order to touch the hearts of others.